OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting Summary - May 6, 2025

Board of County Commissioners — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
BodyMiami Dade County, Florida
SessionBoard of County Commissioners
DateTuesday, May 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:34:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

That these issues with water exist in other places.

0:03

They exist here.

0:04

And we're doing our best to ensure that everyone is connected and that everyone is protected.

0:09

But we also want to talk about water conservation.

0:12

And that's what today is about.

0:14

So we want to thank our educational partners, all the teachers and parents that are here that really help us to share the message because every drop counts.

0:23

And with that, um I would like to introduce our personal water warrior, Mayor Danela Vincava.

0:30

Yes, thanks.

0:32

Well, Commissioner Regalado said beautifully why this is so so important.

0:38

And for me personally, I got turned on to water as county commissioner in District 8, and that is when I self-proclaimed myself the water warrior.

0:48

And since then it's been confirmed by outside sources.

0:52

So I think I can I can claim it.

0:54

But what I see is a whole raft of young water warriors, and even one Jack Slong put it in his poster, not even knowing that that would be the theme of the day to be a water warrior.

1:07

And we know that we also have statewide winners, two of our winners are part of the state award, and they're in the state calendar, and I guess that's sponsored by Beach and Black, right?

1:18

So thank you so much for your sponsorship.

1:20

So look, this nothing is more important.

1:24

We say water is life.

1:27

Do you all know that?

1:29

We conserve it so that we take good care of our planet, but in actual fact, we are made up of water.

1:36

What percentage of our bodies are water?

1:39

Does anyone know?

1:42

Mr.

1:42

Water Guy.

1:46

I need to bring her.

1:47

It's in the 70s.

1:49

Okay, it's in the 70s.

1:50

Okay, you guys okay with that?

1:52

Okay.

1:54

So a lot of a lot of what's happening right now with all of us is there's water, and it's not like sloshing around.

2:00

It just makes up a good part of our bodies, and we need water to survive.

2:05

The planet needs water, and we need water.

2:07

So what you've learned is incredibly important.

2:10

And we've been doing this at Miami Dade County for 17 years, sponsored by our water and sewer department, which is really really impressive.

2:20

Um, so we just are thrilled.

2:21

We're thrilled that you've learned about it, that you've put creativity in it.

2:25

Apparently, we're the best in the state.

2:27

We do this really well.

2:28

Yeah, that thank you, Commissioner.

2:29

Let's say thank you.

2:33

And and to the teachers and the school administrators and to all the parents and family members, we know you're so proud as well that your young people are learning about something so critical because water is life.

2:48

Now, I was told I'm gonna hand it off to the water guy, but we've been joined by a couple of commissioners.

2:53

So, how would you like to proceed?

2:55

Okay, so we'll uh Commissioner Steinberg was first on the scene, and she's another water champion.

3:00

No, I just want to congratulate all the amazing students for all of their hard work, and you know, you make us very proud, and we're excited to see all your posters.

3:10

All right, JC.

3:11

All right, definitely I want to congratulate everyone here.

3:14

I got a chance to meet my district winner, all the young men and women that and they're super creative, by the way, Mayor.

3:19

You're right, because you know, they uh much more creative, I think that even sometimes we are up here wanting things like this, which is amazing.

3:26

So uh, but yes, it's you know, we live in a place where water actually water is becoming probably across the world uh more important than many other things uh as we there are resources dwindle and we have a larger population.

3:38

So I want to congratulate uh all of them and uh uh it's a great program and uh you know we at the forefront and mayor uh thanks for being the water warrior, uh leading us in this direction.

3:51

I know Commissioner Regalado is also and infrastructure.

3:54

Uh you're the water the water nerd.

3:56

Yes, but you're a nerd on some other things too, but we'll get a lot of cool.

3:59

It's it's cool, it's cool.

4:00

Being a water nerd is cool, but congratulations.

4:02

It's great to honor these young men and women.

4:04

Yes, Commissioner Hagan.

4:06

Well, good morning.

4:07

I was the only one that got messaged to wear a dress that looks like water, so I don't know what went wrong with my colleagues.

4:13

Blue, blue, blue.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Procurement████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Real Estate Management██████6%
Sports And Recreation█████5%
Public Health█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting – May 6, 2025

This meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on May 6, 2025, covered a wide range of items including a mayor's veto override, special presentations, numerous public hearings, and commission resolutions. The board voted to override the mayor's veto on removing fluoride from the water supply, appointed a new commissioner for District 6, approved the mid-year budget, and took action on several property conveyances, procurement reforms, and affordable housing initiatives.

Special Presentations

  • 2025 Water Conservation Poster Contest Winners: Recognized 13 first-place winners, one from each commission district. The program has reduced per capita water use from 153 to 131 gallons per day since its inception 17 years ago.
  • Christopher Columbus High School National Championship: Proclaimed May 6, 2025, as Christopher Columbus High School 2025 Chipotle National Champions Day for winning the national championship (their fourth consecutive state title and first national title).
  • Miami International Airport (MIA) JD Power Results: MIA rose from 10th to 4th among mega airports in customer satisfaction, with a 28-point improvement. Key factors: excellent food/beverage/retail and high trust, but access to the airport remains a challenge.

Mayor's Veto – Fluoride Removal (Item 2A1)

  • Veto Override (8-4): The board overrode Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s veto of a resolution directing the Water and Sewer Department to discontinue adding fluoride to the county’s water supply within 30 days.
  • Positions:
    • Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez (sponsor) argued the board should lead on local health decisions and that the vote is about local leadership, not fluoride itself.
    • Mayor Levine Cava expressed disappointment, citing medical expert consensus that fluoride at current levels is safe and beneficial, especially for vulnerable populations; she noted that 15 local cities opposed removal and that state preemption (SB 700) would soon take effect anyway.
    • Commissioners Oliver Gilbert and Raquel Regalado supported the veto override, stating the board should stand by its earlier vote based on evidence. Commissioner Regalado expressed process concerns, arguing the board lacks expertise on water chemistry and the state should handle such decisions.
  • Outcome: The veto was overridden 8-4, but the state law (SB 700) prohibiting fluoride in public water systems was expected to be signed later that day, making the local action moot regarding enforcement.

Consent Calendar

  • Commissioner Consent Items (3A1-3A11): Approved allocations from district discretionary reserves and designated project programs for various community organizations and events.
  • Departmental Consent Items (3B1-3B9): Approved grant applications for canoe/kayak launches, a confidential jobs incentive project (Project Caiman – $80M investment, 50 jobs at average $70,000/year), and ratified multiple water/sewer contract amendments and extensions.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Alexander Magrisso (Hialeah): Spoke in favor of Item 11A2 (opportunity zone expansion for Hialeah).
  • Yona Janowitz (Coral Gables): Urged appointment of Natalie Milian Orbis as District 6 Commissioner (Item 11A11).
  • Tatiana Silva (Miami-Dade Beacon Council): Supported Project Caiman (fish feed facility) for job creation and economic development in South Dade.
  • Scott Polowitz (South Miami): Opposed part of Item 4A that would remove public hearing rights for short-form permits, arguing it eliminates a necessary check on executive authority.
  • Philip Stoddard (South Miami): Echoed opposition to eliminating public hearing rights, citing similar past mistakes.
  • Sean Raleigh (Legal Services of Greater Miami): Spoke on Item 5E (Public Housing Agency Plan), requesting protections for RAD tenants, such as limiting late fees and requiring payment plans before eviction.
  • Brenda Berancourt: Asked for clarification on whether airport zoning changes (Item 5A) apply to all airports countywide.
  • Carlos Gutierrez: Opposed Item 5W because the wording “Haitian community” could be seen as discriminatory.
  • Pat Santangelo: Spoke in favor of Item 5Y substitute (mid-year budget) to support an ADFC soccer program.
  • Stanley Young: Urged support for housing and mental health services in Item 5E.
  • Alina Hudak (Miami World Cup Host Committee): Requested funding to fulfill host city obligations, citing over $1 billion economic impact.
  • Tamara Bellard Rodriguez: Supported World Cup funding, highlighting benefits to small businesses and youth volunteer opportunities.
  • Carlos Rionda, David Whitaker, Marlon Hill: Also spoke in favor of World Cup funding, emphasizing economic impact and legacy.

Discussion Items

  • Appointment of District 6 Commissioner (Item 11A11): The board appointed Natalie Milian Orbis, Vice Mayor of West Miami, to fill the vacancy created by Kevin Cabrera’s confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Panama.
    • Positions: Chairman Anthony Rodriguez supported the appointment, noting the urgency of having representation before key budget and solid waste votes. Commissioners Eileen Higgins and Sen. Rene Garcia voted no, stating they prefer letting voters decide in a special election.
    • Outcome: Appointed 11-1 (Higgins and Garcia opposed). Orbis was sworn in later in the meeting.
  • Conveyance to Family Action Network Movement (FANM) – Item 5W: The board approved the conveyance of a 10,800 sq. ft. county-owned property at 100 NE 84th Street to FANM for nominal consideration, along with $1,369,312 in bond funds for capital improvements.
    • Amendments: Commissioner Keon Hardeman accepted a friendly amendment from Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins: any future redevelopment of the site must include a component of affordable housing and continued social services. Also agreed that FANM would pay $140,000 in back rent into an endowment at The Miami Foundation for scholarships.
    • Discussion: Several commissioners expressed concerns about setting a precedent for nonpayment of rent, but ultimately supported the conveyance given FANM’s track record and the district commissioner’s backing.
  • Special Task Force to Reduce Inefficiencies in Procurement (Item 11A4): Established a task force to review procurement laws and recommend reforms.
    • Amendments: Expanded scope to include all solid waste contracts, not just waste-to-energy. Task force will be subject to Sunshine Law; all commissioners may attend.
    • Outcome: Passed unanimously; commissioners to submit nominations.
  • Contract Inclusion in RFPs (Item 11A5): Requires that complete draft contracts be attached to RFPs and qualitative solicitations, with specified exceptions for negotiable terms.
    • Amendments: Refined to cover professional services (287.055 FS) and design-build contracts, and clarified that post-award negotiations cannot materially alter the original RFP or proposal.
    • Outcome: Passed.
  • Wintergrass Brickell Mixed-Income Housing – Art Requirement Waiver: Commissioner Eileen Higgins moved to waive remaining public art obligations for the project after most artworks were installed or substituted; building already open. Passed.
  • Mid-Year Budget (Item 5Y Substitute): Adopted FY 2024-25 mid-year budget adjustments, including reallocations for World Cup funding and department reorganizations.
    • Amendment: Chairman Rodriguez successfully directed the administration to replenish the Wage and Separation Reserve Fund by $10.5 million from identified sources by June 23, 2025.
    • Outcome: Passed 9-1.

Key Outcomes

  • Veto Overridden: Mayor’s veto on fluoride removal overridden 8-4.
  • District 6 Vacancy Filled: Natalie Milian Orbis appointed 11-1.
  • Property Conveyance to FANM: Approved with amendments: back rent converted to scholarship endowment; redevelopment must include affordable housing.
  • Procurement Task Force Established: To report within 12-14 months; all solid waste contracts included.
  • Contract Transparency Mandate: RFP solicitations must include draft contracts; passed.
  • Mid-Year Budget Adopted: 9-1; includes directive to replenish Wage and Separation Reserve Fund.
  • Public Hearing Dates Set: Various ordinances scheduled for second reading in June and July.
  • Appointments: Several board appointments made (Biscayne Bay Watershed Advisory Board, Construction Trades Qualifying Board, etc.).
  • Pending State Preemption: The fluoride removal resolution is likely moot due to anticipated state law (SB 700) prohibiting fluoridation, effective July 1, 2025.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after the board processed all remaining motions and appointments.

Meeting Transcript

That these issues with water exist in other places. They exist here. And we're doing our best to ensure that everyone is connected and that everyone is protected. But we also want to talk about water conservation. And that's what today is about. So we want to thank our educational partners, all the teachers and parents that are here that really help us to share the message because every drop counts. And with that, um I would like to introduce our personal water warrior, Mayor Danela Vincava. Yes, thanks. Well, Commissioner Regalado said beautifully why this is so so important. And for me personally, I got turned on to water as county commissioner in District 8, and that is when I self-proclaimed myself the water warrior. And since then it's been confirmed by outside sources. So I think I can I can claim it. But what I see is a whole raft of young water warriors, and even one Jack Slong put it in his poster, not even knowing that that would be the theme of the day to be a water warrior. And we know that we also have statewide winners, two of our winners are part of the state award, and they're in the state calendar, and I guess that's sponsored by Beach and Black, right? So thank you so much for your sponsorship. So look, this nothing is more important. We say water is life. Do you all know that? We conserve it so that we take good care of our planet, but in actual fact, we are made up of water. What percentage of our bodies are water? Does anyone know? Mr. Water Guy. I need to bring her. It's in the 70s. Okay, it's in the 70s. Okay, you guys okay with that? Okay. So a lot of a lot of what's happening right now with all of us is there's water, and it's not like sloshing around. It just makes up a good part of our bodies, and we need water to survive. The planet needs water, and we need water. So what you've learned is incredibly important. And we've been doing this at Miami Dade County for 17 years, sponsored by our water and sewer department, which is really really impressive. Um, so we just are thrilled. We're thrilled that you've learned about it, that you've put creativity in it. Apparently, we're the best in the state. We do this really well. Yeah, that thank you, Commissioner. Let's say thank you. And and to the teachers and the school administrators and to all the parents and family members, we know you're so proud as well that your young people are learning about something so critical because water is life. Now, I was told I'm gonna hand it off to the water guy, but we've been joined by a couple of commissioners. So, how would you like to proceed? Okay, so we'll uh Commissioner Steinberg was first on the scene, and she's another water champion. No, I just want to congratulate all the amazing students for all of their hard work, and you know, you make us very proud, and we're excited to see all your posters. All right, JC. All right, definitely I want to congratulate everyone here. I got a chance to meet my district winner, all the young men and women that and they're super creative, by the way, Mayor. You're right, because you know, they uh much more creative, I think that even sometimes we are up here wanting things like this, which is amazing. So uh, but yes, it's you know, we live in a place where water actually water is becoming probably across the world uh more important than many other things uh as we there are resources dwindle and we have a larger population. So I want to congratulate uh all of them and uh uh it's a great program and uh you know we at the forefront and mayor uh thanks for being the water warrior, uh leading us in this direction.

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